Come volunteer in Finland, one of the most picturesque countries in Europe. Volunteers here find meaning through learning from Finland’s complex culture and sharing ideas. Finland is a unique volunteer abroad destination. While the country is one of the most-developed economic countries in the world (estimated as ranking 42nd overall in GDP in 2022), there are still important areas where volunteers are needed.
Volunteering in Finland is a unique opportunity to experience a new culture, gain a global perspective, and build life-long relationships. United Planet Quest participants here find meaning through learning from Finland’s complex culture and sharing ideas.
Programs in Finland are available for either six months or one year, in the areas of education and social work.
United Planet is the US and Canadian member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange, or ICYE. As a volunteer in Finland, you will be hosted by ICYE Maailmanvaihto, ICYE’s partner organization there. Maailmanvaihto is the Finnish word for “the world exchange,” and was created in 1958 with exactly that goal: for youth from all over the world to exchange places in an effort to learn from each other.
Volunteers will work in a kindergarten or elementary school, which is a great opportunity for cultural learning and practicing their Finnish! Volunteers work with the classroom teachers and also help the school staff in other tasks when needed.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to volunteer with an organization that works with people with disabilities. These projects aim to provide their inhabitants with family-like surroundings, close contacts, as well as advance their development and sense of security. Volunteers normally learn about and assist in various types of therapy, art classes, handicrafts, workshops, agriculture, garden work, animal care, and more.
Volunteer in a municipally-owned youth center in Finland where young people learn about environmental issues while taking part in practical work with livestock. Work with youth aged 9–17 to help learn about working with the environment as they participate in agricultural activities like tending to sheep, pigs, goats, cows, hens, ducks, rabbits and horses, as well as engaging in other environmental learning activities.
Finland has been great, and It’s hard to imagine how things could be going better. Life is definitely different here than in the United States. Everyone at Joutsenon Opisto has been very welcoming and friendly. It’s difficult to sum up the experience, so far, in words. I am happy that I have the opportunity to volunteer here; It was definitely a good decision.Anthony V., United Planet Volunteer in Finland
If you need some peace and quiet, then look no further. The chapel is a place for people who are looking to reflect on their thoughts in a calm and serene environment.
This is one of the very-well-preserved medieval castles in Finland. In the summertime, guided tours are offered daily.
Visit the Lapland region of Finland and go on a dogsled ride through the snowy terrain.
The Kuopio Dance Festival takes place in the town of Kuopio in Finland, and the festival is one of the largest celebrations of the art of dance in all of the Nordic countries. The festival gives you a look into the types of dance that make up the culture of not just Finland, but the rest of the Nordic countries.
Finland Quest is offered year-round, and all projects start on every Saturday of the month.
For the Finland quest, volunteers can choose to volunteer from 6 to 12 months.
The age requirement for the Finland Quest is 18. Volunteers under 18 can be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
There is no language requirement to volunteer in Finland. Volunteers receive 20-30 hours of Finnish language lessons.
We ask that volunteers enroll at least 60 days prior to their anticipated departure date. This gives us enough time to schedule volunteer placements, coordinate in-country activities, and provide sufficient pre-departure training.
United Planet Quests are designed to be immersive, authentic, comprehensive and provide you everything you’ll need to succeed. The program elements allow you to engage fully with a new culture, forge strong relationships, and challenge yourself. Most importantly, we partner with the community to ensure your experience will be important, relevant and helpful to the community you serve.
Start Date | Duration | Total Quest Fee | Payment Plan | |||
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1st Installment (Deposit) |
2nd Installment (4 months in advance) |
3rd Installment (3 months in advance) |
Final Installment (2 months in advance) |
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Ongoing | 6 months | $12,205 | $300 | $1,000 | $5,452.50 | $5,352.50 |
1-year | $16,965 | $300 | $1,000 | $7,832.50 | $7,732.50 |
We want you to succeed. That means having in place the support our volunteers need. We don't just drop you in country and hope for the best. We provide training before you leave … language exposure … 24/7 in-country support … support for your host family … accommodations, meals and airport transportation … activities and excursions. The whole idea is to make the experience successful and productive for you and the host community, and we have found that these things are crucial. Remember that we are a non-profit, mission-driven organization – we wouldn’t spend money on something that wasn’t important.
United Planet is an international non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. We connect people who want to make a difference in communities across the world through overseas volunteer travel programs, global virtual internships & volunteering, and project-based virtual exchange programs. With opportunities in more than 40 countries, you will learn, teach, work, engage and immerse yourself in a culture outside your comfort zone. For many, volunteering abroad is the most fulfilling experience of their lives!
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